Stay Active with the Family | 20+ Family Activities to try in North East England

Hands up if you over-indulged over Christmas? We certainly did - it's part of what Christmas is all about. I know it's a HUGE cliche but January is such a good time of year for a fresh start and to focus on eating right and leading a healthier lifestyle. I think it helps you to start the new year in the right frame of mind and counteract the over-indulgence of the festive season. The importance of staying fit and healthy is something I think we should all instil in our kids and staying active together as a family is important. After all, actions do speak louder than words. Today I'm sharing a few ways the whole family can stay active across North East England this year - why not challenge yourself to try a different activity each month? Let me know your ideas too.....

Silksworth Ski Slope 

You can try your hand at skiing and other winter sports at Silksworth Sports Complex. Tuition is available for all ages and abilities or you can simply dive in and have a go. There's also the opportunity to try snowboarding and tubing and if you're wondering whether a ski holiday is for you, I'd highly recommend visiting Silksworth first. Prices start at just £6.50 for juniors and £10.50 for adults.

Trampoline Parks 

I'll be honest when I say that Trampoline Parks aren't for me. I've injured my ankle numerous times throughout my life and the thought of going over on it puts so much fear into me BUT trampolining is a fun family activity that the kids will love and an excellent way to keep fit. There are loads of trampoline parks to choose from with Airbox Bounce and Jump 360 being two of the most popular. Prices start at £5 for little ones and expect to pay around £10 for older kids and grown-ups.

Swimming Pools 

Swimming is a classic family activity which helps to keep you fit at the same time. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to pools in the North East with Concordia in Cramlington, Waves in Whitley Bay, Haven Point in South Shields, Prudhoe Waterworld, Wet'n'Wild and Haltwhistle Outdoor Pool being popular choices.

Walking 

Walking is probably my favourite way to keep fit as a family. The kids always moan when I mention going for a walk but I think they secretly like it. There is SO much choice when it comes to places to go for a stroll around the North East. Check out these ideas:

• 10 of the best family walks with cafes and play parks nearby
• 11 North East woodland walks to try
• Highway Rat Trail in Kielder
• Derwent Walk Country Park Sculpture Trail 
• Plessey Woods Art Trail 
• Druridge Bay Country Park
• Hamsterley Forest Gruffalo Trail
• Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle 
• Rising Sun Country Park 

Cycling 

We're really lucky living in the North East - we have an abundance of cycle networks and wonderful scenery on our doorstep and as long as you own a bike, it's FREE to take part. Where I live in Cramlington we have a network of cycle paths around the town and down to the coast which are ideal for families or why not try one of these routes?:

• 10 Cycling Routes in Durham
• Cycling Events in North East England with British Cycling
• Cycle Routes in North Tyneside
• Family Cycle Routes in Northumberland

If you don't own a bike, you can hire bikes from The Cycle Hub on Newcastle Quayside (they can advise on routes too) or The Bike Place in Kielder. 

Climbing Walls 

Heidi and Harry LOVE climbing and it's something the grown-ups can get involved with too. There are lots of climbing walls dotted about the North East and sessions normally include a safety briefing and all equipment. Expect to pay around £10 per person per session. Check out these climbing walls:

• Clip n Climb Cramlington
• Clip n Climb Stockton
• Clip n Climb Gateshead
• Newcastle Climbing Centre
• The Valley Climbing Centre (Ouseburn)

Ice Skating / Roller Skating 

Skating is lots of fun and kids love it. It's a chance for grown-ups to release their inner child too. There are lots of outdoor skating rinks in winter (see here for a full list) and throughout the year, why not try one of the suggestions below. Expect to pay around £7-£10 per person including skate hire:

• Whitley Bay Ice Rink
• Ice Arena Billingham
• Dynamix Skate Park 
• Holmside Park
• Override Skate Park
• R-Kade Skate Park
• Concordia Roller Disco 

Tennis 

I love playing tennis together as a family and it's something we've tried a couple of times now. I like it as it's suitable for all ages and involves both skill, flexibility and stamina. There are lots of courts dotted about the North East which you can hire for a short time and there's a range of tennis clubs providing lessons too. Our local courts in Cramlington runs a scheme where you pay £30 per year to become a key holder and can play at any time which suits.

Golf 

I'd never played golf until we tried it at Matfen Hall earlier this year and I honestly enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. It's a game which you tend to pick up and improve quite quickly and is suitable for all of the family. I like that you can measure your achievements too. There are lots of places to play for leisure across the North East and it's actually not as expensive as you may think (the 3 par course at Matfen Hall is just £4.50 for juniors). If you're looking for more inspiration, check out the top Golf Clubs in North East England, Morpeth Family Golf Centre and Matfen Hall Golf.


Mini Golf 

Although it's probably not the best way to get fit, I think walking around a mini golf course beats sitting on the sofa and as a family we love it. As they say, every little helps so I've included it in my guide. Across North East England there are lots of mini golf courses to choose from with our favourites being Dinosaur Golf at Heighley Gate Garden Centre,  Lost World Adventure Golf at Tynemouth Park, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf and Mr Mulligan's Space Golf in Newcastle.

Kayaking and Canoeing 

If you fancy trying something completely different this year, how about trying your hand at kayaking or canoeing? Cullercoats Bike & Kayaking run a range of sessions for all ages including popular sessions at Cragside which cost around £12 pp. 2019 dates are coming soon!

Ten Pin Bowling 

It is said that the average adult will burn 180 calories per hour playing Ten Pin Bowling as part of a team in a rotation which isn't to be sniffed at. Our favourite spots include AMF Bowling Washington, Ten Pin Bowling at Concordia, Riverside Bowling in Sunderland and Dunes South Shields.

Outdoor Gyms 

Many of the parks and outdoor spaces in the North East have their very own gym equipment which is free to use - perfect for a family challenge. Areas include Newcastle Quayside, Paddy Freeman's Park, West Park South Shields and Morpeth Park in Northumberland.

How do you stay active with the family? I'd love to hear your ideas too.....

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